PTA approval expected next week; banking and SBP-led transaction to conclude in early January, officials confirm
Islamabad | Flare Magazine News Desk: In a major development for Pakistan’s telecom sector, PTCL/Ufone has completed all internal and commercial formalities to acquire Telenor Pakistan, marking one of the most significant industry consolidations in recent years. The transaction, which has been under regulatory review for months, is now in its final approval phase.
A senior official from PTCL/Ufone confirmed to Flare Magazine that the company has concluded its part of the acquisition process. According to the official:
> “The acquisition of Telenor Pakistan has been fully completed from our side. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is expected to issue its detailed merger order next week, following which the banking and State Bank–supervised transaction will be finalized in the first week of January. The payment to Telenor will be completed accordingly.”
This milestone follows the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP)’s approval, which cleared the merger from a competition and market-impact perspective.
How the Deal Progressed: A Year-long Process
Telenor Group began exploring divestment options in Pakistan in late 2023. The acquisition journey progressed through several stages:
Ufone/PTCL Group initiated discussions and expressed formal interest
Throughout 2024, extensive negotiations took place involving financial valuation, spectrum assessment, network integration plans, and regulatory compliance
By mid-2024, the commercial structure of the deal was finalized
Regulatory reviews were completed by CCP and the Ministry of IT & Telecom
PTA’s approval is now imminent and expected within the coming week
This acquisition will significantly reshape Pakistan’s telecom landscape.
Combined Subscriber Strength After the Merger
According to 2024 industry figures:
Ufone/PTCL Group
Mobile subscribers: ≈ 25 million
Telenor Pakistan
Mobile subscribers: ≈ 23 million
Post-merger total
👉 Over 48 million mobile users
This transformation will position Ufone as Pakistan’s second-largest mobile operator.
Government Confirms Imminent Approval
Senior officials from the Ministry of IT & Telecommunication have also confirmed to Flare Magazine that PTA will issue formal approval next week.
A government source said:
> “All legal, technical, spectrum-related, and competitive requirements have been met. PTA will formally approve the merger in the coming week.”
The move is expected to unlock fresh investment and enhance nationwide network quality.
January 2026: Final Banking Settlement
Once PTA issues its final order:
State Bank of Pakistan will process the financial transaction through the designated consortium
PTCL/Ufone will transfer the agreed payment to Telenor Group
Legal ownership transfer will be completed in early January
Telenor Pakistan will officially become part of PTCL/Ufone Group
Industry Impact: A New Telecom Structure for Pakistan
Pakistan’s market will consolidate to three major operators
Ufone’s market share and network footprint will expand dramatically
Subscribers from both networks will benefit from improved coverage, spectrum efficiency, and enhanced 4G/5G readiness
The merger is expected to accelerate digital transformation initiatives in the country
